Match officials given new guidance on offside law

By David Watters

The Ryman League's fans, players and officials can look forward to seeing more consistency in the interpretation of one of the key rules governing off-side next season thanks to the guardians of the laws of the game.

Following a meeting in June of the International FA Board (IFAB) to consider new advice on ‘interfering with an opponent’ in order to ensure greater clarity and uniformity around the world, the Football Association has issued new guidance notes to leagues across the country for the 2015-16 campaign.

Established in 1886 to agree standardised laws for international competition, the IFAB has been recognised by FIFA since the foundation of the game’s governing body in 1904 as having jurisdiction over football's laws. They took action this summer following requests from a number of football associations and confederations seeking more clarity regarding offside under Law 11.

In their circular, the FA’s Neale Barry, head of senior referee development, urged match officials to carefully study the 12 pages of guidance notes from the IFAB which include illustrated examples specifically relating to the practical interpretation in the application of the rules on offside.

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